Bill > HB582

This bill defines a "personal water craft" as a motorboat 16 feet or less in length that is propelled by a jet pump, where the operator and riders stand, kneel, straddle, or sit on top of the craft, and establishes several safety restrictions for their operation. Specifically, the bill prohibits anyone under 16 years old from operating a personal water craft, bans their use between sunset and sunrise, and requires all operators and passengers to wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device according to the manufacturer's instructions. The bill also introduces a provision that makes it a misdemeanor to operate a personal water craft in a careless or negligent manner that unreasonably endangers life, limb, or property, which includes actions like weaving through congested watercraft traffic or swerving at the last moment to avoid collision. Violations of these provisions would be considered a violation, with potential legal consequences. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and aims to improve safety on lakes, ponds, and rivers by regulating the use of personal water crafts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0751&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB582